Cooks Dam

MILL RIVER· Hampshire, Massachusetts· Stone· 32 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Cooks Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 32 ft (taller than 88.6% in MA)
Dam Length69 ft
Dam TypeStone
Max Storage48 acre-ft
Normal Storage48 acre-ft
Surface Area3 acres
Drainage Area48 sq mi
NID IDMA00756

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: January 11, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

CITY OF NORTHAMPTON, LOOK PARK BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Button Shop Dam #2

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Chartpak Dam

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Roberts Meadow Lower Reservoir Dam

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Roberts Meadow Middle Reservoir Dam

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Vistron Dam

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Brass Mill Pond Dam

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Fitzgerald Dam

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Cooks Dam?

Cooks Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Cooks Dam?

Cooks Dam is owned by CITY OF NORTHAMPTON, LOOK PARK BOARD OF TRUSTEES (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Cooks Dam?

Cooks Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Cooks Dam?

Cooks Dam has a dam height of 32 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Cooks Dam last inspected?

Cooks Dam was last inspected on January 11, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.